What are amino acids

What are amino acids

 During digestion protein is broken down into 20 amino acids. They are used for building muscle tissue and repairing damaged tissues. That is why amino acids are very popular with the athletes, especially with the bodybuilders. Amino acids are divided into three categories: essential, non-essential and conditional amino acids.

The essential amino acids can not be produced by the body and they must be supplied by protein rich foods. There are 9 essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, valine, histidine, lysine, tryptophan, methionine, phenylalanine, and threonine.
The non-essential amino acids are made by the body during protein breakdown or from the essential amino acids. There are 4 non-essential amino acids: asparagine, glutamic acid, alanine and aspartic acid.
The conditional amino acids usually are not essential except under certain conditions. For example when someone is ill or it is under stress. There are 7 conditional amino acids: glutamine, arginine, tyrosine, serine, proline, glycine and cysteine.
Some of the most important amino acids and their use to bodybuilders

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BCAA

The BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) are the most important amino acids for muscle growth. They play a big role in the manufacturing, maintenance and repair of the muscle tissue. They give best results when they have a ratio of 2-1-2 (Leucine, iso-leucine, valine).

LEUCINE

Leucine is the strongest of the three, although it gives little results when taken on its own, since they work best when combined. Leucine is important for repair and growth of tissues in skeletal muscles, bones and skin. It also regulates the blood sugar levels and it may also increase HGH (Human Growth Hormone) secretion. The recommended dosage is about 16 mg per kilogram (7 mg per lbs) of bodyweight.

ISO-LEUCINE

It has the same usage as leucine, except that it is more involved in the process of wound healing. The recommended dosage is 10-12 mg per kilogram of bodyweight (4-5 mg per lbs). Overdosing can cause hallucinations and crawling sensation in the skin.

VALINE

Valine maintains the nitrogen balance, preserves the use of glucose and it also helps in the repair and growth of muscle tissue. The recommended dosage is about 16 mg per kilogram of bodyweight (7 mg per lbs).

GLUTAMINE

Glutamine is the most present amino acid in the body. Glutamine is a conditional amino acid which means that under normal circumstances it is non-essential, but in times when the body is under stress its presence in the body can be reduced by 50%. Besides being used for synthesis of muscle tissue, energy and reducing the lactic acid, Glutamine can also help with the memory and concentration because it easily passes the blood-brain barrier. Glutamine also decreases the cravings for sweets, which is perfect for you if you are on a weight loss diet. It is recommended that you take 5 grams of Glutamine 3-4 times a day (right after waking up, before and after training and before going to sleep).

ARGININE

This amino acid is the perfect supplement for bodybuilders, people who are trying to lose weight and people who are trying to boost their immune system. Arginine stimulates the manufacturing of GH, it is involved in the release of insulin from the pancreas and it has the ability to retain nitrogen. It also keeps fat longer in the system for energy usage, which is very important for weight loss. Arginine improves the condition of the skin, liver and connective tissues.

L-CARNITINE

L-Carnitine is not really an amino acid but it is manufactured by Lysine and Methionine in the presence of Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B6. L-Carnitine prevents fat buildup around the muscles, heart and liver. It also improves the effects of Vitamin C and Vitamin D. The dosage should be around 200 mg but it depends of your muscle mass. The more muscle mass you have the bigger the need for L-Carnitine is. Doses above 3000 mg can cause diarrhea.

LYSINE

Lysine maintains the nitrogen balance and thus preserving the muscles during stress and fatigue. It is involved in the producing of hormones, enzymes, antibodies and in the repairing of the damaged tissues. Lysine is also involved in the absorption of calcium and the mobilization of fat for energy uses.